Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Non-standard COVIDNet Participation Agreement, with the California Department of Public Health, to participate in the COVID Network of California Laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing effective August 17, 2025 through August 16, 2028 with no exchange of funds; and
b. Approve a non-standard risk provision in Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three future amendments that do not significantly change the scope.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Non-standard COVIDNet Participation Agreement, with the California Department of Public Health, to participate in the COVID Network of California Laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing effective August 17, 2025 through August 16, 2028 with no exchange of funds; and
b. Approve a non-standard risk provision in Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three future amendments that do not significantly change the scope.
SUMMARY DISCUSSION:
The California Department Public Health partners with COVIDNet participating laboratories to conduct and facilitate whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus specimens, also known as COVID-19. The purpose of COVIDNet is to link all city and county public health laboratories currently performing whole genome sequencing into one system to better inform outbreak investigations and public health surveillance across California. COVIDNet endeavors to bring consistency and continuity to how public health laboratory scientists and epidemiologists detect, characterize, and investigate SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and containment.
County of Monterey Public Health Laboratory has participated in COVIDNet since 2020. The Agreement will continue to allow the Health Department to collaborate with other local health jurisdictions to better identify and characterize outbreaks, including those that would have previously gone undetected, and to inform public health action pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 100325. Approval of the recommended action will allow the Health Department Public Health Laboratory to continue to contribute timely and comprehensive data that describes the evolutionary development of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants and sublineages in California.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goals: 1) Build community power and partners’ capacity to increase equity and improve health; and 2) Provide exceptional person-centered care through accessible, community-focused health services. It also supports three of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 2) Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population; and 8) Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce; and 9) Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Offices of the County Counsel and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There is no exchange of funds between the County of Monterey and California Department of Public Health for this agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Patricia Velarde, Management Analyst II, 796-1377
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement